Crooked, misaligned teeth not only affect your smile and facial aesthetic, they also affect your ability to speak and eat. According to the National Health Services (NHS), every one in three children in the UK needs braces treatment. This is why more and more people in the UK – not just the youngsters, but the adults too – are getting their teeth straightened with braces. If you are interested in getting your teeth straightened with orthodontic braces and would like to know more about different treatment options, then this article is for you. Before we discuss how long brackets take to fix orthodontic problems, let us first learn how dental braces work.
How do Dental Braces Work?
Dental braces, also called the orthodontic brackets are appliances that are attached to your teeth – one for each tooth – using an adhesive. Each bracket contains a slot, through which a metal wire passess. This dental wire, called the orthodontic wire is connected to each bracket using rubber ties. In this way, the wire connects all the teeth through the bracket. It is actually the tension in the wire which is transferred to your teeth and it results in the movement of your teeth in the desired direction or angulation.
How Long Do Braces Take The Crowded Teeth?
The time required for correcting orthodontic problems with braces depends on various factors – most important being the severity of the problem. While your specialist orthodontist may fix minor problems, such as mild tooth crowding or spacing issues, within 6-8 months, more complex problems involving the bite may take up to 12-18 months for treatment. Another factor is patient compliance. If a patient keeps dislodging their brackets or ties, or keeps taking a removable appliance out, then the treatment time will increase significantly.
What Is The Shortest Time Period For Braces?
Generally, the less complicated an orthodontic problem is, the lesser time it will require for treatment. Minor orthodontic problems like spacing and crowding require the shortest treatment time, and they can be completed in less than 6-8 months. However, it again depends on various factors such as oral health status, type of braces, and patient compliance. There are some dental braces in the market which claim to correct tooth misalignment in under six months. While these systems may make good on their claims, they may actually do more harm than good, leading to various long-term complications such as periodontal inflammation and tooth root damage.
How Long Do Braces Take To Close A Small Gap
Dental braces are one of the most effective methods for closing a gap between two teeth. Gap closure normally does not require complex orthodontic treatment, except when the teeth are rotated or irregularly angled. Typically, your orthodontist will be able to close a gap between your teeth within 6-9 months. However, you may have to wear a retainer afterwards to consolidate the treatment.
When Do Teeth Start To Straighten With Braces?
Your teeth will start moving as soon as your orthodontist connects your brackets with the orthodontic wire. The tension in the wire will move your teeth. In this way, your orthodontist will replace the orthodontic wire at every dental health checkup visit with one that continues to exert pressure on your teeth to move and realign them.
Why Are Teeth Removed For Braces?
Your orthodontist may need to remove one or more of your teeth when there is insufficient space in your jaws to accommodate all your teeth in perfect occlusion. In these cases, your orthodontist may either choose to remove your wisdom or premolar teeth to create space in the jaws.
Removing Teeth Braces Side-effects
When suggested by your orthodontist, there is no harm in getting your teeth removed. If done properly, there are no side-effects associated with tooth extraction. In some very rare cases infection could be a side-effect of tooth removal, however, this is not related to the orthodontics, it is related to the tooth extraction.
How Long Does It Take To Get Braces After The 1st Appointment?
After your first appointment, your orthodontist will examine your tooth models, photographs and tooth x-rays to prepare a customised treatment plan. This process may take anywhere between two to four weeks. Another factor is the waiting list. If you visit an NHS dentist, you may have to wait longer. However, if you visit a private orthodontist practice, you may be able to get your teeth straightening process started with braces in a very short time.
If you live in Surrey and you’re looking for an experienced and qualified specialist orthodontist, then Ewell Orthodontists should be your first choice. No matter how complex your problem is, we have a solution for you. So, what are you waiting for? Book a free consultation with us today and begin your journey towards a charming, beautiful and healthy smile.